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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Water Restrictions

Water Restrictions: Fremont vs Hayward

How do water restrictions rules compare between Fremont, CA and Hayward, CA?

Fremont has fewer restrictions than Hayward.

Fremont, CA

Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Alameda County Water District serves Fremont and prohibits daytime outdoor watering, runoff, and watering within 48 hours of rain. AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.

View full Fremont rules β†’

Hayward, CA

Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

Hayward customers are served by EBMUD or SFPUC. Both impose outdoor watering limits and enforce permanent waste prohibitions year-round.

View full Hayward rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFremontHayward
Water UtilityAlameda County Water District-
No Watering10 am to 6 pm-
Post-Rain48 hour wait-
AB 1572No potable on non-functional turfNon-functional turf ban
Fines50 to 500 dollars-
Primary provider-EBMUD
No-water hours-9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shutoff nozzle-Required on hoses
Leak repair-Within 72 hours

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fremont FAQ

Can I still wash my car at home?

Yes, ACWD permits home car washing with a shutoff nozzle on the hose. During Stage 2 drought declarations, residents must use a commercial car wash that recycles water or a bucket and nozzle only.

What is non-functional turf?

Grass that is purely decorative (medians, HOA front strips, office lawn) and not regularly used for recreation. Sports fields, school play yards, cemeteries, and residential backyards where people actively gather are functional and remain exempt.

Hayward FAQ

How do I find my water provider?

Check your water bill. EBMUD covers most of Hayward; the city utility serves a small Hetch Hetchy area.

What is non-functional turf?

Grass in commercial or HOA areas that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or events.

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